I've received so much sympathy, validation, indignation at the injustice of the USPS over my damaged painting this past month...what a supportive and encouraging group you are!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

My last blog posted ended with the filing of my final appeal on the claim; I admit I was pretty resigned to a final denial from USPS, BUT!!!...in the mail last week was an envelope with nothing but a sweet, big check for the full amount that I had insured the painting for!! Merry Christmas to me!!! And justice for all :))

I'm still processing the lessons to be learned in this experience, but good things definitely came from it...the second re-do painting came quickly and easily from my brush (and improved, IMHO), I was pushed out of my comfort zone in reaching out to gallery owners for the assessment, I was blessed with so much support from everyone, and finally won my appeal.

The packing was beyond secure: box within a box, high-density foam around painting, bubble wrap and air bags between boxes.

Insured, you ask? Yes and denied twice now. You know, I'm not heartbroken over the painting and have already nearly finished painting it again. I am frustrated with the injustice of USPS selling insurance for services that they seem to have no intention of honoring.

It has pushed me out of my comfort zone and required me to seek a reputable art gallery owner's assessment of the painting and statement of value since a receipt of sale and cancelled purchase check wasn't enough for them. Going to a gallery was hard to do since I don't quite feel "ready for prime time", if you know what I mean. But, praise be! the owner wrote a wonderful and affirming letter valuing the painting higher than I priced it.

So I just filed my final appeal (word of warning, USPS only lets you appeal twice) and now await the verdict. It's pretty sad when something bought from WalMart is more insurable than something created from the heart. And, yes, I will be looking into other delivery options.

Hello! My name is Wendy and I am passionate about oil painting! Whether in the studio or out in Mother Nature, I get lost in the experience of capturing on canvas the moment and the feel of what I am painting. I pour my love and energy into every single piece of artwork and I hope it shows! This blog is a place where I can use words to talk about art, painting, life, faith, things that make me laugh, and things that inspire. I love every response, so don't be shy about leaving a comment...